Public Health Rules in Massachusetts (2026)
14 rules on the books across Massachusetts, 11 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Restaurant Grade Cards
Letter grade (A/B/C) public-display requirements for food facilities, what triggers a downgrade, and how the LA County DPH grading system works.
Rodent Control
Property owner duties to abate rats and mice, restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (CA AB-1788), and integrated-pest-management standards.
Revere
Significant RestrictionsRevere conditions street opening and building permits on proof that a construction site has been treated for insects…
Read full rule →Somerville
Significant RestrictionsEvery Somerville property owner must keep premises free of rats and mice under Code of Ordinances § 11-38, implementing…
Read full rule →Boston
Some RestrictionsBoston will not issue a building permit for renovation, conversion or new construction until the applicant proves the…
Read full rule →Cambridge
Some RestrictionsEvery dumpster licensed in Cambridge must stay in good enough condition to keep rodents out and stay covered and…
Read full rule →Chelsea
Some RestrictionsChelsea requires every vacant lot owner to name an agent responsible for keeping the property free of litter and the…
Read full rule →Fall River
Some RestrictionsFall River requires every building erected, repaired, altered or extended in the city to include ratproofing, and…
Read full rule →Lawrence
Some RestrictionsLawrence's Housing Code makes tenants responsible for keeping their own unit free of insects and rodents and owners…
Read full rule →New Bedford
Some RestrictionsNew Bedford requires properties that use a private trash hauler instead of city collection to keep waste in receptacles…
Read full rule →Quincy
Some RestrictionsQuincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) requires owners of dumpsters at commercial businesses and larger residential…
Read full rule →Taunton
Some RestrictionsBefore any building in Taunton can be torn down, the owner must hire an exterminator within the 14 days leading up to…
Read full rule →Syringe Disposal
How residents must dispose of home-generated sharps (insulin syringes, EpiPens), including kiosk locations and take-back-mailer programs.
Boston
Some RestrictionsBoston Code of Ordinances § 12-16.3 requires every pharmacy in the city, defined as a chain with four or more retail…
Read full rule →Worcester
Some RestrictionsWorcester bars tossing needles or broken glass loose into the trash: Chapter Four, Section 6(d) makes it a violation to…
Read full rule →Food Handler Certification
CA Health & Safety Code §113948 food-handler-card requirement, retraining cycles, and how LA County DPH enforces certification at food facilities.